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Comment by reedf1

2 months ago

My solution to this problem was to have my phone permanently on silent. The logic being - there was nothing so urgent 25 years ago that couldn't be solved by an asynchronous answering machine message checked once a day; why do I need moment to moment updates now.

Nowadays I'd probably use a tool like yours. My partner is going through legitimate withdrawal symptoms after two years of short-form content addiction. Turning off all notifications was one of the first things I did for them.

I'm occasionally keeping my data turned off and am telling everyone "if urgent call me".

  • (3rd world) problem: most people think calling is pressing the phone button inside Whatsapp.

    • At least on iOS, internet call is treated basically the same as cellular, showing a splash caller screen and ringing if not on silent. This means that it's trivial to setup phone in such a way that no notification gets through but calls do, even with sound.

      4 replies →

I turn off notifications for every app except calls and messages; it's fine because almost no-one ever calls or texts anymore (Whatsapp messages can wait until I look at them).

Turning the phone on silent isn't really a solution since it still pollutes the screen (and the history) with useless notifications.

Deny all notifications when installing a new app. Enable them only if you absolutely need them.

Gate access isn't absolutely need, your visitors can call you. Or if you order food you can check status on the food app.